EC to livestream IPAC meeting on Tuesday

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has announced that it will broadcast the upcoming Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting live on Tuesday, 1 October 2024.

The landmark decision is part of the EC’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability as the country prepares for the 7 December polls.

This will mark the first time in Ghana’s history that an IPAC meeting is broadcast live, allowing the public to witness firsthand the discussions and decisions that shape the electoral process.

According to the EC, the live telecast will give Ghanaians the opportunity to directly engage with and understand the electoral strategies, reforms, and challenges being discussed.

“The decision to broadcast the IPAC meeting was made independently by the Commission to promote transparency,” the EC noted in a statement, emphasising that the move was not driven by pressure from external parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which had previously advocated for live coverage.

The October 1 meeting is expected to address crucial matters such as voter registration, election logistics, and the integrity of the electoral roll, providing a platform for political parties and the EC to align on key issues ahead of the polls.

The EC also noted that the discussions would serve to educate the public on the electoral process, reinforcing confidence in the system.

The NDC, Ghana’s largest opposition party, had previously urged the EC to allow live broadcasts of IPAC meetings to promote openness in electoral deliberations.

Though the EC had initially resisted, stating that it was unnecessary, the decision to move forward with live telecasts marks a shift in its stance.

The NDC has welcomed the EC's decision, with party leaders expressing optimism that the public broadcast will provide an opportunity for Ghanaians to assess the fairness of the electoral process and the deliberations leading up to the elections.